Consultation & Market Analysis

When a formal, legal appraisal document is
not necessary, Ms. Miller is pleased to offer
a variety of specialty services which are informal
and economical alternatives. Such services are
not intended for insurance, court or legal purposes.
Below are examples of various situations where
these consultations may be confidently used.

In handling an estate, is it best to have a
professional appraiser assess the market value
of the estate's contents. You will either need
to divide them equitably in some way, sell them
off and liquidate, or donate them to charity
for a tax deduction, or, a combination of these.
Clothing and textiles are often overlooked or
under-valued by general estate appraisers.

Professional Opinion of Value
For clients with items of value less than $1500, Ms. Miller recommends a verbal Professional Opinion of Value (POV). The client is responsible for sending excellent detailed images of the item(s), noting holes and damage, size, etc. Supporting family documentation or original receipts are also immensely helpful. Ms. Miller will give a verbal professional opinion of the item including its date, information about it, current value range, and supporting references.

Walk-through Consultations
For a large number of items, Ms. Miller offers a "walk-through"
consultation. She will travel to the estate,
view the items and give a professional assessment
of those pieces the client wishes addressed.
This may be an entire closet of "vintage"
clothes and furs, a trunk full of Southeast
Asian textiles purchased on trips, a 19th century
school-girl embroidery sampler, a kimono, a
collection of beaded purses and hair combs,
antique linens, or a family coverlet passed
down through generations. Indeed, all may be
in the same estate, and all fall within Ms.
Miller's specialty.

Market research
and analysis
If the client desires, items of greater value
may warrant a brief written analysis with market
research. A market research report may include
any combination of the following as the client
desires:

- Interpretation of market
trends

- Review of auction and retail prices

- Recommendations as to the best
outlet for sale

- Suggestions and pricing
for repair or restoration options

- Information on how to
care and maintain the items

In addition, Ms. Miller can contact appropriate
auction houses or dealers on behalf of the client.

Items of negligible value would not be included
in such a report though recommendations for
their dispersal or general care can be given.
Ms. Miller prepares and writes all documents
with privacy, the highest of professional standards,
and with respect to the intended users and their
needs.